Suggestions on Laptop Computer

[Bankshot]

Hi all.

I'm buying my 16 year old a new computer.  I was thinking about buying a laptop so she can take it to college next year. I was looking at Dell and Lenovo.  I had had some horrible experience with HP so I am staying away from them. 

I'm looking at Lenovo because I have an old IBM Thinkpad that I had for more than 6 years and never had to call for service and still runs smoothly.  I recently read some horror stores from Lenovo customers (I guess I didn't know about the bad service because I never had to call). 

Now I'm not so sure about Lenovo.  I was thinking looking at Lenovo Y550, but some have complained that although it has virtualization technology, it is disabled by Lenovo and there are no plans to support it.  I have no idea if virtualization is important enough to avoid computers that don't support it.

Looking at Dell because I heard the service was great. I'm looking at Dell business models Vostro 1520 and Vostros 1015.  The business models seem to have more for less.

Any ideas on what type of laptop I should be looking for?  And is virtualization important enough for me to worry about whether or not the computer has it?

I appreciate any advice I can get.

EDIT:  Forgot to mention that while I like the Mac, it's out of my price range, so I won't be getting one.

[indeedproceed]

Lifetime PC user until last year. I will never buy another PC Laptop. Mac. I am telling you, Mac. Mac Mac Mac.

[Bankshot]

Sorry, can't afford a Mac.

[RAcker]

Lifetime PC user until last year. I will never buy another PC Laptop. Mac. I am telling you, Mac. Mac Mac Mac.

I have heard that the Mac laptops are awesome, but that is only 2nd hand.  I own a Mac G4 myself, but can't speak from experience on the laptops.  There is good buzz, though, I will say that.

[Ohio Celtics Fan]

As a computer sciences major I can tell you that I've gone through it all. If you are buying a computer that you want to last and support your kid through college there is nothing better than a Mac. Yeah, the cost may be a little higher now but the quality of the parts is so much better than what you would be getting in a Dell or Lenovo. I would recommend a 13 or 15 inch Macbook Pro. I'm using the 13 inch right now and I couldn't be happier. Hope this helps!

[Rondo2287]

I have been using a Mac IBook G4 for 4 years and it still running strong.  I also just got an Acer netbook that I am very happy with. 

[Edgar]

Bank
indeed Dell Service is great

[yall hate]

if you get a dell, you need to make sure you do two things.  Pay for the extended warranty and buy an external hard drive.

The internal hard drive will break (guaranteed).  If you have the extended warranty, it is a piece of cake to replace it.  If you have the external hard drive then you wont lose to much.

I currently have a lenovo and am fairly happy with it (although I am considering a switch to a mac).  Thus far, the only real problem I have had with the lenovo was incredibly diminished battery life (my 8 hour battery lasts about an hour and a half).

for a college student (or soon to be), I'd go with the dell and get the extended warranty (if he/she spills anything on it, its covered...)

[Bankshot]

My problem with buying a Mac is not only the price, but I already have all the software my daughter will need for the PC (Microsoft Office, Adobe Pro, etc.) and I would have to buy all new software for the Mac in addition to paying a high price for the computer.

[Bankshot]

Thanks for your responses.  I really appreciate it.

[Brickowski]

I would not touch either a Mac or a Dell. Macs are just too expensive, and they become obsolete just as fast as any other notebook.  The Mac software is expensive too, and the software selection is more limited.  As for Dell, the components are cheap.  Same for HP, Compaq and Toshiba.

I personally prefer Sony Vaios, but the Lenovos still have the best keyboard in the business and make a very nice smaller machine.  It has a 13.3 inch screen and weighs under 4 lbs. (It's a true laptop, not one of those el cheapo netbooks.) The ASUS UL30A is another nice smaller laptop at a good price.

If you want something larger it's hard to beat the Sony Vaio FW series with that very nice 16.4 inch screen. I have two vaio's, an FW and a Z, and I love both of them.

[Redz]

I've been really happy with my HP.  But...I barely use the hard drive for storage.  99% is all saved on external devices.  I use it for internet, and writing papers mostly.  The media stuff seems ok, but I have simple needs for that (an occasional DVD).

[USG]

Don't get a Dell. The reason I read this thread was because my Dell is on the fritz. After a year, the cooling system basically died on me, leaving the computer able to do very little without overheating and shutting down.

I'm currently looking into a Vaio, personally. The only problem is the model that has good price/power also seems a bit dated with its DDR2 ram. Also, nobody has WSXGA+ but Dell it seems. Oh well.

[Roy Hobbs]

I've had two Dell laptops, and both have been good to me.  However, as mentioned above, I have had some issues with the fans.  Otherwise, no problems.

My girlfriend has a Mac, and loves it.  I don't like it at all, though.  (Sorry, Mac fans, I'm not ready to join the cult yet. )

[Bankshot]

I'm going to check out Sony.  When I buy, I will let you know what I chose.  Thanks again.